A web app needs to route HTTP requests to different backend services based on the URL path (e.g., /api vs /images). Which Elastic Load Balancing type fits?
A.Network Load Balancer
NLB works at layer 4 — it can't see URL paths.
B.Application Load Balancer
Correct. Layer-7 path/host routing is the ALB's signature feature.
C.Gateway Load Balancer
GWLB routes traffic through virtual appliances, not app paths.
D.Classic Load Balancer
Classic is the previous generation — ALB supersedes it.
Why this answer
ALB operates at layer 7 — it inspects HTTP and routes by path, host, headers, or query strings. NLB is layer 4 (raw TCP/UDP performance); GWLB fronts third-party appliances; Classic is legacy.
Correct answer: B · Last reviewed 2026-10-27
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